> Is the S7 trying to be like a certian Apple's prodigy i.e not innovative (just safe) or

Samsung has always been that way though, or at least it has been for a while now. They lost their way after the S3, and with the S6, it became clear they were focusing more on the design, brand and marketing, just like Apple. I mean, the S6 was a downgrade from the S5 in terms of features. The S7 only bought back a couple of those missing features (microSD and waterproofing), but in the process it lost one more feature (IR Blaster). Even the Note series has been steadily seeing the decline of features - first they got rid of the FM Radio, then the IR Blaster, removable battery and SD Card. Wonder what they'll get rid of next?

> is the smart phone world running out of ideas and at its peak?

I think it's just Samsung (and maybe HTC and Sony too). But as you've already mentioned, the G5 was pretty innovative, but so was the V10. But LG has been constantly trying out new things though - from the back buttons since the G2, the first QHD display and laser autofocus with the G3, the G Flex etc.

There's also the Nextbit Robin - which is not only a refreshing change in design, but also innovative with it's smart storage solution (although its quite basic at the moment). Nextbit has also promised fast and regular updates, in addition to actively supporting the developer/modder community, and explicitly stating that rooting won't void the warranty. That, IMHO is another huge differentiation factor compared to other companies like Samsung, who are aiming to lock down your device even more and make it more Apple-like.

OnePlus has the option of both physical and on-screen keys. Xiaomi is coming out with phones like the Mi5 which has real flagship specs in a small form-factor. Huawei has some interesting models lined up too, with dual rear cameras and stuff.

So there is innovation taking place - you just have to look beyond the major players and give the underdogs a chance.

Is the S7 trying to be like a certian Apple's prodigy i.e not innovative (just safe) or is the smart phone world running out of ideas and at its peak?

Given the S6 was, in my opinion, a step backward (in that it lost features the S5 offered, such as the Waterproofing and SD card that have made a return in the S7), I'd argue the S7 is a return to form after the so-so S6.

I'll be upgrading my S5 to the S7 for sure. Never entertained the idea of upgrading to the S6, though. Having gone S2 -> S3 -> S4 -> S5, skipping the 6 was, from my perspective, a big step (or non-step, as the case may be).

Yeah, I have had an S3,4,5,6 and will soon have a S7 (Edge this time around for the bigger battery). I've also had other brands phones over the years but like the Samsung styling. For me it's an incremental thing. I want what the S7 has (missed waterproofing and SD card support in the S6) and am prepared to pay for it. The camera will make a difference in any lighting, not just low light, and that matters to me.

There's not enough in the S7 for me to trade up from the S4. The S4 is fast enough (I don't play games), reliable, I don't need waterproof or huge amounts of memory, and battery life on the original battery is still great.

There's not enough in the S7 for me to trade up from the S4. The S4 is fast enough (I don't play games), reliable, I don't need waterproof or huge amounts of memory, and battery life on the original battery is still great.

My S4 i had for 2 years, dropped once a week, Got wet all the time. (pretty sure it is waterproof)Never had a problem. No cracked screen. No scratches. My mate has it now and it still works

Probably the best phone i ever had after i flashed google play edition 5.0.1.

I lost interest in Samsung after the stylistic S3. The plastic and the dimpled backs of the S4 and S5 were a big turn off and touchwiz was bloating with each iteration. They fixed the non-premium hardware issue with the S6 - but at the price of losing waterproofing, battery and SD card. This alienated a lot of users. they should have taken note from Apple - they only ever add features with each iteration, never take them away.

So now the S7. Samsung have listened and added back the waterproofing, the SD card and upped the battery. They have also refined the style of the S6 and made it even better (eg. the curved back of the S7 is being praised for one-handed comfort).

And the camera - it's not so much the low light ability that appeals to me - it's the near instant auto focus that I am really looking forward to.

Yes, there's still touchwiz - but they have flattened it a little. I guess you can't have everything you want.

And no USB C. I would have liked it, but as I am not transferring files to and from the phone, I guess micro USB charges just as well as USB C, with the added plus that they have added quick charge to wireless as well as wired. That's a biggie for me.

There's not enough in the S7 for me to trade up from the S4. The S4 is fast enough (I don't play games), reliable, I don't need waterproof or huge amounts of memory, and battery life on the original battery is still great.

Agree absolutely, the S4 is just fine, does everything I want. But I'll admit that the strapline on my texts is "Sent from my Galaxy S8".

Bigger battery (great to have this, does make the phone heaver than the S6 though!)

Camera (Now everyone talks about this like they take photos at night time! not interested)

Screen is the same tech, just an amoled feature of always on.

Water cooling! (that's just cool bragging rights!)

SD card (I do like this, but not needed when you have the 64GB S6 variety)

The LG G5 how ever seems a pretty good innovative device, it kinda appeals to my geek side more that this S7 can.

Is the S7 trying to be like a certian Apple's prodigy i.e not innovative (just safe) or is the smart phone world running out of ideas and at its peak?

Seems like you have thought it all out and understand the differences just fine. If it doesn't provide any value, don't upgrade. Not sure the purpose of the thread, are you wanting us to talk you into spending money you don't see the value in spending, for any particular reason? :)